OUR VIEW: Auto industry still positive for county, Tennessee

Something along the lines of 7,000 jobs. Just more than $6 million in property tax. National recognition for manufacturing and innovation.

Smyrna's Nissan plant is an example of a massive shift in the automotive industry in the United States. As Detroit faces bankruptcy, in part due to declines in the auto industry, Tennessee ranks at the top of the industry.

As The Jackson Sun wrote, for the fourth year in a row, Tennessee has been ranked No. 1 in auto industry strength. That is continued good news for the state's long-term economic success.

The ranking comes from Business Facilities, a publication that ranks annual national economic development. Tennessee has a long history of growing the auto industry. Nissan has been operating in Tennessee for 30 years. Today, the state also is home to operations for General Motors, Volkswagen, automotive electrics giant Magneti Marelli, and a large number of automotive original equipment manufacturers.

The latest ranking focuses on the state's 44 automotive projects during the 2012-2013 fiscal year. Those projects involved close to $1.1 billion in new investments in Tennessee and created 6,662 new jobs, according to The Jackson Sun.

Then there are the side businesses that spring up due to the proximity of a plant like Nissan's.

There are an estimated 900 smaller auto-related manufacturers and suppliers in Tennessee, employing thousands and contributing significantly to the local economy. As The Jackson Sun opined, it is easy to forget that the majority of parts that go into manufacturing a car, sport utility vehicle or light truck are made by someone other than the manufacturer whose name in on the vehicle. Those smaller companies are the lifeblood of the auto industry and a major, diverse economic force in the state.

With four years of No. 1 automotive strength ranking under its belt, the future for Tennessee automotive manufacturing looks bright. Auto companies and suppliers know the state's reputation and willingness to work with auto companies.

Rutherford County has proven its worth to Nissan as a great home for auto manufacturing. Nissan has proven to be a great partner, employing thousands, paying millions in taxes and injecting millions more into the local economy.

We truly wish for a recovery for Detroit, but we also charge our community leaders to find the best way to take advantage of the automotive industry in Tennessee. It is strong, growing and will lead to prosperity for the community.

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OUR VIEW: Auto industry still positive for county, Tennessee

Something along the lines of 7,000 jobs. Just more than $6 million in property tax. National recognition for manufacturing and innovation.

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